A beautiful and compelling story about a transgender teenage girl, her boyfriend, and their mothers.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this one and the perspective it brought regarding transgender. One of my favorite lines: I can’t imagine what it’s like to have to educate everyone about your right to exist in the world.

In true Picoult fashion, the information “dumps” about bees and honey took away from the story for me, rather than adding to it. Initially I enjoyed learning more about bees and honey, but towards the end I found myself skimming those sections to get back to the story.
I loved the dual POV (one running in reverse timeline) between Lily and Olivia.
I loved that the part of Lily was written by a transgender woman because it made her thoughts and words more meaningful and realistic.

Overall this was 4.5 stars for me. It could’ve been 5 had it been a bit shorter (less honey/bees) or if the chapters hadn’t been so lengthy.

This story is filled with a lot of heartache and heavy topics (abusive relationship, loss of child, child abuse). Please explore trigger warnings prior to reading.

I have not read any of Jennifer Finney Boylan's novels, but I am familiar with Jodi Picoult novels. I will check out Boylan's other works after reading Mad Honey.

This felt like a Picoult story - there is a twist in the middle and another at the end. Some will see them both coming and others will feel blindsided. Olivia McAfee and her son, Asher, live in a small town in New Hampshire. The story is told from alternating viewpoints - Olivia's and Asher's girlfriend, Lily's. But Lily's story is told backwards. This is what didn't make me give it five stars. This made it harder for me to keep track of what was happening in what order. I did enjoy seeing Jordan McAfee again. If you are a fan of Picoult's or you enjoy novels without a lot of current hot topics, this book is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced copy for me to review.
Mad Honey is a brilliant book cowritten by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. In Mad Honey we meet Olivia, a single mother raising her son Asher after fleeing an abusive marriage. Olivia moves into her childhood home and takes over her father's apiary.
Asher, a high school senior and hockey player, falls for Lily. Lily is the new girl in town, she moved here with her mother Ava looking for a fresh start. After getting to know these characters we are faced with the sudden death of Lily and Asher is arrested and accused of her murder. What follows is raw and honest storytelling.

The story is told with the alternating points of view of Olivia and Lily. Olivia's story tells the forward movement of the story. Lily looks back to fill in the story. In reading the author's notes at the end we find out that Jodi Picoult wrote Olivia's chapters and Jennifer Finney Boylan wrote Lily's. Although I enjoyed Olivia's chapters. Lily's were beautifully heartfelt and compelling to me. I loved how Olivia taught us about beekeeping and was able to relate that information to tell a story as well.

This was a very engaging read; I enjoyed the character development, and the way the chapters were structured. As always, the twists of Picoult’s writing are always at the right time, and I loved reading two authors combine together what they do so well.

I would definitely recommend this to any fans of Jodi, and anyone looking for a relevant legal drama read. Picoult’s taking on of recent and relevant topics is always a learning experience for me!

Olivia leaves an abusive relationship and she and her son, Asher, go back to her hometown to take care of the beekeeping business. When teenage Asher is accused of murdering his girlfriend, I could not put this book down. I wasn’t sure what to expect with two authors, but it was pure Jody Piccoult magic as I couldn’t quit reading! This is one of my favorites so far this year.

What else is there to say except I loved this one. Such a good read and they dual authors absolutely knocked this one out of the park! This is engaging and really unputdownable in my opinion! So excited to read what comes next (and I hope this duo pairs up again!!)

Lily Campanello. the new girl in school, attracts the attention of Asher, son of Olivia McAfee, who is well known for her bee-keeping business. Asher is an athlete, good student, and an all-around good guy, but sometimes Olivia worries that he may have inherited his father's tendencies. Every now and then she will see a flash of temper that reminds her of her ex-husband, whom she fled from and had to divorce because he was abusive. Everything seems to be perfect, until the day she receives a call from the jail. Lily is dead, and Asher is being questioned. Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.
This timely novel kept me riveted until the very end. There were a couple of twists in the book that may or may not catch you by surprise, but will definitely make the book addictive to read. I don't want to say more because I don't want to give away any spoilers. This is one book you will definitely want to read. I highly recommend it!

I’ve read several Jodi Picoult books, but hadn’t ever read anything by Jennifer Boykin. This book was so engaging I had a really hard time putting it down. I liked the format, switching between Olivia and Lily and between the present and past. The characters were so well developed and interesting. I feel like I learned a lot along the way. It is definitely an emotionally charged book that will keep your own your toes. It’s probably the best book that I’ve read this year and I’ve read over 100 books this year.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House for the opportunity to read this book.

Another heart-wrenching cannot put down Jodi Picoult. I have to wait at least a year in between reading her books as they are so emotional. A mother's blind love for a son; a son's first love; a young trans trying to find her way in the world; the world judging before knowing....it is all there. Picoult's ability to take current social stresses and weave them into a tale that is unputdownable - only for Kleenex. The story revolves around the death of a young trans girl. He boyfriend is accused. The history of both families gets ripped open. I strongly suggest reading ANY Jodi Picoult if you need a good story and a good cry!

Loved this book. Family dynamics were interesting and well thot out. The bee part of the story added to make the whole story that much richer.

This book started off super strong, but then went way downhill from there. While the subject was timely, the entire middle portion of the book felt like one very long lecture, and it got so repetitive that I was super bored by about 75% and ready for it to be over. I usually love Jodi Picoult, but this book was a big miss for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review Mad Honey.

Mad Honey is a story told through the voices of Lily, a transgender woman, and Olivia, the mother of Lily’s boyfriend. The book is written by two outstanding authors - Jodie Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan. There’s a fine line to walk when you co-author a book. Will the writing be cohesive? Will the characters fit together? Will someone’s voice get lost? Picoult and Boylan have mastered it. Through the author notes we come to understand the methods used - in the beginning, Picoult look the Olivia chapters and Boylan was the voice of Lily’s chapters. Later in the book they each traded voices for a chapter and edited the other’s work. I cannot imagine this was easy given how personal and emotional one’s own writing can be but they have succeeded so beautifully.

There are many questions I found I was asking myself throughout the novel, but the loudest for me was: What makes a woman? It is a question Lily and her mother Ava discuss and it made me stop to think. What DOES make a woman? Is it the brain? Is it what’s between the legs? Is it what’s in our heart? Is it what others think of how we present ourselves? As a child, it seemed simple. As an adult, I realize, it actually still is. Lily’s story and her relationship with Asher and Olivia help to echo what makes a woman is just in the existence. Why is Lily a woman? Why am I? Because that is who I am. That is who Lily is - that is who she knows herself to be. Life, people, circumstances might make us complicate the simplicity of it, but it isn’t so complicated at the core. Accept the truth others are telling you about themselves - it is their truth and theirs alone. Your opinion isn’t a factor.

Ah, but there’s Asher. When we are dealing with a mother’s POV regarding who her child is, we as readers have to accept we might have an unreliable narrator. Mothers typically love their children despite any flaw, so how are we to truly know if Asher is the sweet boy his mother - and even Lily - believe him to be? How can we be certain when his father is a monster? How can we trust when Asher searches to offer second chances to less than stellar people? I think the point is that we might waver on our opinions of Asher and his role in Lily’s story, but we are invested and the constant what ifs are so deliciously engaging.

I absolutely cannot write this review without mentioning the bees. The absolute gorgeous use of Olivia’s beehives and how they function is so expertly woven through the novel and ties in so perfectly to the thin yet strong threads that hold our characters together. Honey is magical, healing, delicious, never spoils - yet it cannot heal a broken heart, it cannot bring someone back, it cannot rewind time. Despite all of its best qualities, mad honey poisons and the effects can make the truth hard to decipher.

Mad Honey pulled me in from page one and I fell for Lily, Asher, Olivia, and Ava. Their stories are layered and complicated but that’s LIFE. I love when the answers are not clear because in real life they never are. We always present our best on social media and keep the ugly complicated stuff tucked away. This is a habit that can be so ingrained in us that even we forget the truth sometimes. That’s what makes this story so capturing. The realness, the humanity of the story made it a 5-star read for me, no hesitation.

Mad Honey is mad good..too much? This is incredibly well written about incredibly tough topics. Go in to this without much background knowledge and enjoy as these authors unfold an astounding story with endless emotions and the depth you come to expect from Jodi Picoult.
Read this with an open heart and appreciate the emotional rollercoaster these authors are known for.
Thank you to NetGalley for this copy in exchange of my honey review.

I don't want to review this book. Or, I should say that I do, but I don't want to give anything away. I went into it blind and I think that's the best way to do it, because once that twist hit I was floored. And if I had known anything about this book it wouldn't have hit the same way. So I'm not saying anything about this book, other than: run, don't walk, and READ IT. 4 stars.

Jodi Picoult is known for her relatable writing, the depth she brings to her characters and their relationships, and the well planned contemporary tales of ethical conundrums in which her characters find themselves. In Mad Honey, Picoult writes the story from Olivia's viewpoint, while Jennifer Finney Boylan, a successful and best selling author herself, writes the story from Lily's point of view. The remainder was a collaboration. It may sound confusing but the results speak for themselves - another sure to be best-seller which has readers asking themselves how would I have handled this any differently?

One of the main themes of the book is second chances. Lily Campanello and her mother Allison relocate to the small town of Adams, New Hampshire just in time to start Lily's senior year in high school. Olivia McAffee was raised here in Adams, and returned to her hometown with her son Asher years ago after her high profile marriage to a cardiothoracic surgeon in Boston falls apart.

Asher and Lily meet and fall in love with all the joy, energy, and angst that first love brings. Everythng seems to be going well until the day Olivia gets a phone call from her weeping son, telling her to come quickly, Lily is dead, and the police think Asher was involved.

There follows a heartbreaking, heart-wrenching story of a tragedy that will affect all those who know the families involved. Are those we love who we think they are; how do we know? How well can we know anyone else? What do you owe someone you love? Are you obligated to share your past with anyone? What is the difference between a secret and a private matter? When does privacy become dishonesty? And if something "should" be shared, what is the proper timing for that/those conversations?

A thoroughly engaging, though slightly overlong, read which I highly recommend!

My gratitude to Ballantine Books for allowing me access to an ARC via NetGalley. This book is scheduled to be published on 10/4/22. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and are freely given.

A suspenseful and topical novel about devastating secrets. Olivia took her son Asher and left her abusive husband to move home to her parents where she keeps bees and sells honey. Lily and her mother Ava, a forest ranger, left Lily's father and moved to town for a fresh start. Olivia and Lily tell the story about the collision when Lily is found dead by Asher at the bottom of her stairs-and Asher is charged with her murder. Everyone - Olivia, Lily, Asher, their friend Maya- has a secret and it's up Olivia's brother Jordan, who acts as Asher's attorney, to tease at least a few of them out- but the most appalling one won't be revealed until the end. No spoilers from me, which makes this had to review but know that in classic Picoult fashion, it's an educational look at a controversial (to some) issue. You'll also learn a lot (a lot) abut bees and honey, which I consider a plus. And recipes! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Good believable characters, great courtroom scenes, and terrific storytelling made this an excellent read.

jodi picoult’s books almost never let me down!! they always have a fantastic topic with a background that’s shrouded in mystery that will eventually be slowly explained through context 😅

that being said, this one wasn’t my favorite of hers (wish you were here still takes the cake wow!)

MAD HONEY definitely wins for best captivating legal courtroom drama I’ve read this year! however, I think it dragged on a little too long for me 🥴 I definitely found myself getting glazed eyes at the long paragraphs

the subtopic of this book was so wonderful to read about, and showcasing the lives and struggles of LGBTQ+ people on the daily was beautifully written. the MC olivia had me screaming at the book because the questions and assumptions she was making about transgender folks were 🤨🤨🤨 but I guess that made a point in itself

what didn’t really work for me, other than the length and slow pacing, was the bee backstory. like there was SO much of it 🐝 and yes, the MC is a beekeeper but like … every other chapter was about her taking care of her bees which did not even play into the story at all …

we get it homie, you like queens 👸🏼

it was a powerful read and one that I’ll keep thinking about for a while! a big thank you to netgalley and ballantine books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: australian chardonnay

Let me start by saying I normally like Jodi Picoult's work. I had high hopes for this one.

Unfortunately, it didn't work for me.

The first half was great. Then "the twist" happened. I won't say it and spoil it. But the twist happened right at the 50% mark of the book and the second half just seemed throw everything involving the twist in your face. It was a bit much. Yes, it's an important topic, but it was too much.

That and the book was too long.

The info on the bees? That was kind of interesting.

Not sure I'd recommend this to others. Probably would depend on who it was.

Two powerhouse authors joined to write this story of a murdered trans girl and the boyfriend who stands accused of killing her. In alternating points of view we see Lily, Lily's mom Ava and Asher's mom Olivia as they all stand together as women who have left their violent pasts behind to try to make a better life. Sadly one of them will never have that future.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan is a stunning novel and likely one of my top 10 books for 2022. I won't share the plot of this story, but you can trust the thousands of fans who are already rating this 4-5 stars. A remarkable tale revolving around a single mom and beekeeper trying to protect and raise an excellent teenage son. In addition, the author weaves the life cycle of bees into this story. But then sh*t happens. Even with the story nearly 500 pages, I was so hooked that I read all night and into the morning to finish the novel. It is an addictive story, and I can guarantee that it will open a lot of discussions for book clubs and book lovers. Please read this book. Bravo to Jodi Picoult for another great book with the collaboration of Jennifer Finney Boylan. This book is a must-read! #singleMom #abuse #bees #son #justice #identity #MadHoney #JodiPicoult #JenniferFinneyBoylan #secondchances #redemption @netgalley @ballantinecorp @jodipicoult @jenniferfinneyboylan
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I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022.

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